Arkansas bill would create antibody exemption for vaccine mandate

Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation that would allow workers to opt out of federal or employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates if they’re tested weekly or can prove they have natural antibodies on an annual basis.

S.B. 736 intends to protect qualifying Arkansas employees from impending terminations due to vaccination mandates. Additionally, the bill would allocate unemployment benefits for terminated employees who are not protected under the antibody exemption.

The bill also would ensure that the cost of the testing be covered through the employee’s health benefit plan, or if not applicable, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The emergency clause of the bill states the rules outlined would take immediate effect upon receiving the governor’s signature.